New officer's first job to protect the health

Published 9:00 pm, Thursday, September 19, 2002

As Midland County's new health officer, Charles Michael Krecek is clear about his first priority.

"My job and my charge will be to protect the health of the citizens of Midland County," Krecek said. "Whatever the way we need to do it, that's the way it goes."

Krecek, 49, is a Clarkston resident and supervisor of planning and evaluation at the Oakland County Division of Health. He will start at the Midland County Department of Public Health in October.

"I think that the opportunity to be a health officer at a quality county health department such as Midland is attractive," Krecek said.

Krecek believes Midland is a healthy community with a lot of positive things, including a strong health department. The department has good relationships with community-based organizations, health care providers and payors, and business and labor leaders, Krecek said.

Based on data, Krecek said Midland County has an aging population with about 10 percent of the population at or below the poverty level. He added the county might be a "little underserved" in terms of dental services.